Taraxacum officinale
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Tracheophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Genus: Taraxacum |
| Species: Taraxacum officinale |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Dandelions produce a single floret, with many tiny leaves that can range from bright yellow to orange. The leaves are jagged, lobed, and grow at the base of a hollow milky stem. The fruits are tiny, brown seeds with cotton-like attahcments that are often carried by the wind.
Habitat & Range
Dandelions can be found in fields, trail-sides, and open areas and are widepspread in North America, occupying all 50 states of the US and in most Canadian provinces.
Behavior
Dandelions are considered a “weed” and can colonize many habitats due to their efficiancy in spreading weeds through wind currents. It is a prolific seed producer and a single plant can produce several thousands of seeds per year. They are often found in large groups spread across the area.
Life Cycle
Dandelions bloom in the spring and fall between April-September. The flowers bloom in the morning and close at night.
Featured image by James Dake.